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Silversides


Silversides are the members of the Atherinidae family. They are found from tropical to temperate waters. They have two widely separated dorsal fins, the first with flexible spines and the second with one spine followed by soft rays. Their anal fin has one spine followed by soft rays and pectoral fins high on body. Their anus located behind pelvic fin base. Their maximum length is 60 cm. They feed mainly on zooplankton. There are 14 genera and about 70 species worldwide.



Scientific Name: Atherinomorus duodecimalis  (Valenciennes, 1835)
English Name: Tropical Silverside
Malay Name | Nama Melayu Malaysia: Ikan Paku, Ikan Perak, Paku-renyau Perak
Thai Name | ชื่อสามัญภาษาไทย: ปลาข้างเงินตาโต (Plā k̄ĥāng ngein tāto)
Main Identification Features: Distal end of upper jaw extending backward slightly beyond vertical through anterior border of orbit. Position of anus 1.5 to 3 scales in front of tips of pelvic fins. Greenish with silvery mid-lateral stripe. Upper sides with many very small black dots. Rows of similar blackish spots from pectoral-fin tips to about level with anal-fin origin.
Size: Maximum standard length 11 cm.
Habitat and Ecology: Estuaries and shallow coastal waters. Occurs in schools.